“I’ve played many characters that have consumed me and owned me.”

For me, acting is becoming naked in front of people, you know? And when you know in the back of your mind somebody is testing you, you cannot really bare yourself. That’s a feeling I always have when I’m auditioning.

I will only do a Hollywood film when there is something special offered to me.

It surely gives you a high to be an international actor with quality work.

I cannot live anywhere else except India.

Language does not make one an elite.

You cannot reduce the power of story with the tag of money because it’s not a share market. So you must know the seriousness of the power of storytelling.

The sign of a good society is where talent is respected.

A nation needs to know how to utilise talent.

Cinema is changing every week, and multiplex audiences are demanding every week.

I can recite poetry, but I cannot write it.

Sometimes when you’re playing a very intense character, a disturbed character, you find other layers. That’s much more interesting to me, rather than just playing ‘intense.’ I find it too boring.

Parsi theater was known for melodrama.

I don’t want to do romantic roles where I have to lip sync to a song. A role that explores romance on a new level would suit me.

It’s always an inner wish of every actor to reach out to maximum audiences.

Hollywood isn’t ready for an Indian leading man.

I want to entertain people, but with some substance.

A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.

You don’t get to be a jerk just because you’re skilled.

Your success stops where your character stops. You can never rise above the limitations of your character.

Communists are frustrated capitalists.

How well you treat the wicked people, they don’t give up their wickedness. They derive pleasure in hurting others. A serpent made to drink milk, it ejects poison only.

I am sweet and diplomatic in real life.

When a storm comes, it is the trees that get uprooted. Be as humble as the grass and nothing can touch you.

Let me make something clear: I can’t do anything in particular to make others laugh. I do what is necessary for a character. The body language of the character may make others laugh.